No. 360, September 1999

American Companies in Japan

MERCHANDISING

Japan might be trapped in a nearly decade-long slump, but demand
for fine jewelry and accessories apparently still is so strong that
TIFFANY & CO. plans to inaugurate its 45th outlet in the country.
The newest store, scheduled to open in early November, will be
located in the Usui Department Store in Koriyama, Fukushima
prefecture.

A LEVI STRAUSS & CO. trying to regain momentum in Japan is
franchising its Original Levi's Store retailing concept. The first
such outlet, which carries Levi's-brand jeans, shirts and the like
targeted at teenagers and young adults, is located in the Harajuku
section of Tokyo. In time, the San Francisco company could open
franchise stores in Osaka and other major cities. Interestingly, none
of the company's three directly owned stores are located in the
capital. That could change, Levi Strauss says, if the franchised shop
is a success.